FOR THE LOVE OF MUDROOMS!

Whether your entry is big or small, you often need a drop-spot for things like coats, bags and shoes.  A mudroom is generally one of the most overlooked rooms and also the most overused! If you have kids you can relate to the trail of backpacks, books, sports equipment and shoes they leave behind in their wake.  A well-organized mudroom becomes essential but doesn't have to lack style~ 

Here is the skinny on some of the essentials needed to make a successful mudroom:

1. Storage, storage and more storage!

You need space for coats, backpacks, sweatshirts, sports equipment, shoes...the list goes on! 

Love using either natural fiber baskets or wire baskets (our favorite!) for shoes.

We cannot forget our furry friends-woof! If Vashti could only have a space in her mudroom like that for Jessie, her 200 pound English Mastiff!  

2- You can never have enough hooks-is it just us or does your family own a billion and one coats and sweatshirts??

Addicted to the hooks at Anthropologie!

1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 

3-  Let there be light!!

Have fun when picking out your lighting!  

The color of these lights are amazing and check out those green wire baskets!

Think outside the box-use the unexpected!  This crystal chandelier ROCKS in this space!

4-  Everyone needs a place to sit!

Love the way each locker has its own seating!

  Check out that floor...

Brick, slate and stone floors are all durable and super forgiving of muddy and wet feet!

For those of you who do not have to worry as much about those muddy footprints, the use of rugs adds such a sophisticated element to the room.  On second thought...they do make outdoor rugs, right?  Bring on the hose!

5-  Harness the chaos with a creative message center!

Having an area dedicated to busy family schedules is always a plus!

These chalk boards are fantastic!  Assign one to each member of the family and off you go!

Create a killer organization station and you will never be late...

There are way too many What can you not live without in your mudroom?

 1. g.p. schafer architect 2. house beautiful 3. homeanddesign 4.cush and nooks 5. j & v  6. liz caan interiors 

7.pinterest 8.the enchanted home 9. miriam dillon & rebecca foley 10. j k and sons  11. muse interiors 12. country club homes 13. desire to inspire 14. vallone design 15. better homes and gardens

BLACK DOORS

 They add drama and sophistication to any room. 

Black doors instantly update any space and they look oh-so chic...

 Here are my black doors, can't wait to paint the walls gray!

I wish I had a before picture. The white doors were so boring and blasé.

So, would you paint your doors black? I promise, you won't regret it! 

1. house beautiful 3. tobi tobin via lonny mag 4. marcus design 5. mary mcdonald via danielle oakey 6. lonny mag 7. house and home 8. jamie

WE'D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY...

We were beyond flattered today when Noted Home awarded us our very own Liebster Award!  We love Amber's blog and were thrilled she would think of us!  Amber is not only sweet, she has some killer DIY's and a great eye for design. We love her Monday Mood Boards, they are always filled with such yummy eye candy! We could not be more honored Amber, thank you!

We also have to give a shout out to our favorite fashionista, Kecia from Couture Zoo who nominated us as well!  We do not know what we would do without our new blogger friend!  She has been one of our biggest cheerleaders and her blog is simply amazing!

What is the Liebster Award?

 The Liebster Award is all about spreading the love to up and coming blogs!  The award is passed from one blogger to another as a really great example of recognition. Liebster is German for 'dearest or 'beloved', but it can also mean 'favorite'.  This award just keeps on giving since we now get to pass on the Liebster love to those we think are rising stars in blog world!  Stay tuned for our fab 5! 

All of this award excitement has got us both rockin' some serious Hollywood Glam love! 

We all need a little glam in our lives!

Liza epitomizes Hollwood glam!

It's all about the lacquer!

Khloe Kardashian's office-need we say more!

Gold, gold and more gold...

Talking about luxurious glam- Jonathan Adler you make our hearts beat a mile a minute with this mirrored piece of perfection!

Fur-a-licious!

Oh, for the love of lucite!!

It's all in the details!

Off to the pool dahling...

1. apartment therapy 2. a thoughtful eye blog 3.  studio ten 25 blog 4. the decorista 5. blog.modernica 6. sukio 7.atlanta homes mag 8. habitually chic 9. viceroy hotel

COME TAKE A PEEK INSIDE MY HOME...

I have a true weakness for color, the bolder the better!

I am instantly attracted to anything Asian, whether it's old or new. Add bold colors and you had me at hello...

If I could have ethnic textiles everywhere, I would. I am fascinated by the beautiful colors and the unique craftsmanship of each piece-what treasures!

I can't seem to ever leave well enough alone.  I had to paint my own chevron on this bench.

I cannot deny anything that will help me stay tidy-and of course...I love me some leopard!

That unexpected something with quirky little details makes me smile.

Did I mention that I love anything Asian and cannot stop collecting ethnic textiles?

This has given us countless hours of arts and crafts!

There is nothing better than pieces from long ago.  Makes you wonder where and when these industrial drawers were once used.

Any sofa would rock with these bulldog pillows?

My coveted hutch that holds my Vashti china collection will always be one of my favorites!


Hope you enjoyed my little house tour!   Stay tuned for a peek into Jamie's house!

THE PERFECT GRAY

Is it a fairy tale or does it really exist?

Remember Jenna Lyon's former Brooklyn townhouse featured in Domino? Fantastic! 

 Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

Kyle Knight of Knight Moves blog used Benjamin Moore Señora Gray in her family room and it is the perfect backdrop. 

I am also eyeing that blue and orange lamp!

Nate Berkus used Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke in Katie Lee Joel's former home in the West Village.

I couldn't leave you without another look of this amazing space.

 In Katie Lee Joel's bedroom Nate used Benjamin Moore Cliffside Gray.

Here's Cliffside Gray again and another beautiful design by Nate. This gray might be the one for me!

Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 blog painted her office Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

I absolutely love this staircase! The bright white, the nail head trim along the staircase and windows...
Sorry, I lost focus! I know Farrow and Ball's All White is used in this space, but I have yet to determine the wall color!
Peter Dunham (the man who designed this incredible home) feel free to email me!


What's your favorite gray?

1. habitually chic 2. knight moves 3. curbed 4 & 5. la dolce vita 6. elle decor  7. studio ten 25 8. architectural digest